In a nation where the Cuban regime's repression extends even into healthcare facilities, a troubling incident in Sancti Spíritus has sparked outrage. Omar Pérez Díaz, a patient at the provincial hospital Camilo Cienfuegos, was reportedly threatened by State Security (SE) agents following a visit from supportive activists.
According to a Facebook post by Yureibys Torresilla, Pérez Díaz, who hails from the El Cerro neighborhood in Las Tozas, faced intimidation after being visited by Torresilla and other activists, including Yanalli González Domínguez. Allegedly, the elderly man was warned that further visits from these activists could result in restrictions on his 13-year-old son Yandry's ability to stay with him at night and attend school in the mornings.
“We were practically forced out of the hospital,” Torresilla stated, adding that after the warning, Pérez Díaz was moved to a different bed and exhibited clear signs of induced fear, trembling at the sight of the activists. “He has an induced panic towards us,” Torresilla confirmed.
The activist also filed a formal complaint with the hospital's management, who assured him they would clarify to the patient that his visits posed no issue. However, according to Torresilla, the situation only deteriorated. He questioned how the hospital administration and other authorities could claim ignorance of the supposed "encounter" with SE officers, despite the evident impact on the patient's emotional state.
“Who visited him, then? Who intimidated this man to the point of trembling when he sees us?” Torresilla questioned.
The situation is further complicated by Pérez Díaz's family context, as he relies solely on the care of his teenage son. “At just 13, this boy takes care of his father at night and goes to school in the morning. It is love that makes the impossible possible,” Torresilla wrote on Facebook as the case began to garner attention.
Yureibys Torresilla has emerged as a dedicated activist for humanitarian causes in Sancti Spíritus, actively assisting those in vulnerable situations. Alongside the Hermanos Calle, he led a solidarity campaign distributing meals to the homeless, demonstrating a social sensitivity that starkly contrasts with institutional apathy toward extreme poverty.
Later, he organized a community meal benefiting over 90 people, a purely citizen-driven initiative without political or state backing. This effort exemplified Torresilla's community leadership and his ability to rally support in challenging environments.
Beyond collective actions, Torresilla has made profoundly personal gestures. In a symbolic act, he transformed a birthday gift into tangible aid for a family in crisis, reaffirming his ethical commitment to those facing severe deprivation.
While his humanitarian work seeks to address urgent needs and galvanize public support, it starkly contrasts with the State Security's response, which targeted a vulnerable family simply receiving assistance.
Impact of State Security Actions in Cuban Hospitals
What actions did State Security take against Omar Pérez Díaz?
State Security agents threatened Omar Pérez Díaz following a visit from activists, warning him that further visits could lead to his son's overnight stay being restricted.
How did the hospital respond to the complaint about the intimidation?
The hospital management claimed they would reassure the patient that activist visits were not problematic, but according to the complaint, the situation worsened instead.
Who is Yureibys Torresilla?
Yureibys Torresilla is an activist known for his commitment to humanitarian causes in Sancti Spíritus, engaging in efforts to assist people in vulnerable situations.